The Stats Zone
· Ash Wheldon

2019 NRL – Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights Preview & Prediction

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THE FACTS

When is Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights taking place? Friday 29th March, 07:00

Where is Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights taking place? GIO Stadium

What channel is Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights on?
UK – Sky Sports Arena
Australia – Fox Sports

Where can I stream Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights?
UK – Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match via Sky Go
Australia – https://www.telstra.com.au/tv-movies-music/sports-offer

Where can I get tickets for Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights?
Canberra Raiders – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500013

Newcastle Knights – https://tickets.nrl.com/team/500003

THE TEAM NEWS

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Head Coach: Ricky Stuart

Starting 13: Nicoll-Klokstad, Cotric, Croker, Leilua, Rapana, Wighton, Sezer, Papalii, Hodgson, Lui, J. Bateman, Whitehead, Sutton – Interchanges: Havili, Young, Soliola, Horsburgh – Reserves: Williams, Collins, Simonsson, Murchie

Unavailable: Michael Oldfield, Joseph Tapine

  • Canberra were outclassed by Melbourne last week and despite a late comeback, they fell short as they went down to a 12-point loss with Newcastle the next visitors to the nation’s capital.

  • The Raiders are set to be without second-rower Joseph Tapine for an extended period after he suffered a broken thumb which is the same one he broke towards the back end of last season.

  • The loss of Tapine means a change of position for John Bateman who will line-up in the second-row with fellow Englishman Ryan Sutton making his first start after being named at lock with Hudson Young coming onto the bench.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Head Coach: Nathan Brown

Starting 13: Watson, Lee, Hunt, Ramien, Kenny-Dowall, Ponga, Pearce, Klemmer, Levi, Gavet, Fitzgibbon, Mata’utia, Glasby – Interchanges: Mann, Guerra, Barnett, Ese’ese – Reserves: King, Lino, Buhrer, Jones

Unavailable: Slade Griffin, Tautau Moga, Nathan Ross, Jacob Saifiti, Daniel Saifiti

  • Newcastle were unable to make it back-to-back home wins to begin the season as they suffered a narrow defeat against Penrith and now face their first game on the road against Canberra.

  • The Knights have a slight doubt over Lachlan Fitzgibbon this week after the back-rower left the field due to cramps last week but he has initially been named in the 17 suggesting he should be fine.

  • With Fitzgibbon selected, the Knights have named the same team that went down to Penrith with Nathan Brown seemingly set on this side until the return of some of his injured first-teamers.

THE PREDICTION

Canberra went down to Melbourne last week with their small pack struggling to contain the power the Storm possess. The Knights don't possess the biggest of packs either which should allow the Raiders to bounce back with a win, particularly after Newcastle's disappointing display against Penrith. The Knights will want to see more from their halfback pairing and should they fail to fire again, the Raiders can enjoy a comfortable win.

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